Integrated drain dryer device for compressor using centrifugal separation and differential pressure

Abstract

The present invention relates to an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor utilizing centrifugation and differential pressure, designed to quickly and completely discharge moisture and foreign substances inside the device by utilizing the differential pressure that must be discharged when the air compressor is stopped after operation. The device comprises: a drain chamber installed on a conduit supplying compressed air from the compressor to an air tank, which stores moisture generated by centrifuging the cooled compressed air of the compressor; a discharge port installed on the lower side of the drain chamber to discharge the moisture contained in the drain chamber; a discharge line providing a path for discharging the moisture discharged through the discharge port to the outside; and a solenoid valve installed on the discharge line to open and close the discharge line.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure (residual pressure), and more specifically, to an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure designed to quickly and completely discharge moisture and foreign substances inside the device by utilizing the differential pressure that must be discharged when the air compressor is stopped after operation. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, an air compressor is an essential piece of equipment that draws in ambient air, compresses it using mechanical force, and supplies it to various industrial sites or medical devices (e.g., dental handpieces). During the air compression process, water vapor in the air inevitably condenses to produce moisture; contaminated condensate is formed when this moisture mixes with internal lubricating oil components, fine dust, and bacteria introduced from the outside.

[0004] If compressed air is supplied without removing this condensate, it can cause malfunctions in industrial precision equipment or accelerate pipe corrosion. Furthermore, particularly in medical settings such as dental clinics, it poses a critical hygiene risk due to the danger of bacteria or contaminants being directly sprayed into a patient's oral cavity.

[0005] To address this, conventional air dryers that remove moisture using chemical adsorbents or filters, or 'auto-drain' type moisture discharge devices in which a valve opens to discharge condensate when it rises above a certain level, have been widely used.

[0006] However, methods relying solely on adsorbents or filters resulted in high maintenance costs due to the short replacement cycle of consumables, and had limitations such as a rapid decline in compressor efficiency if the filter became clogged in a high-pressure environment. Furthermore, the existing auto-drain method had a structural contradiction in that contaminated water always remained stagnant inside the device because it required storing separated water in an internal tank until it reached a certain level. Consequently, when the compressor was restarted, a phenomenon known as "carry-over" frequently occurred, in which contaminated water and bacteria stagnant inside the equipment mixed with high-pressure air and were pushed out through the pipes.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of structural improvement that filters out contaminants physically without the need for separate consumables, while simultaneously preventing moisture from accumulating inside and forcibly discharging 100% of the condensate immediately upon stopping operation.

[0008] Meanwhile, the aforementioned background technology is technical information that the inventor possessed for the derivation of the present invention or acquired during the process of deriving the present invention, and it cannot necessarily be considered publicly known technology disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of the present invention. Prior art literature

[0010] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2008-0084099 (Published September 18, 2008) The problem to be solved

[0011] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to extend the lifespan of a filter and reduce replacement costs by filtering out contaminants such as moisture, fine dust, and bacteria generated during the process of supplying compressed air from a compressor using a physical centrifugal separation method.

[0012] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is that, unlike conventional level-controlled drain devices, when the compressor stops operating, the air pressure (differential pressure) remaining in the pipe is not simply wasted but is actively utilized as power for the discharge line to immediately and completely forcibly discharge 100% of the accumulated moisture and foreign substances.

[0013] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0015] An integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: at least one drain chamber installed on a conduit supplying compressed air from a compressor to an air tank and storing moisture generated by centrifuging the cooled compressed air of the compressor; a discharge port installed on the lower side of the drain chamber to discharge the moisture contained in the drain chamber; a discharge line providing a path for discharging the moisture discharged through the discharge port to the outside; and a solenoid valve installed on the discharge line to open and close the discharge line.

[0016] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve can block the discharge line while the compressor is in use and open the discharge line when the compressor stops operating.

[0017] In one embodiment, the discharge line can block the air pressure remaining in the pipe from flowing into the drain chamber when blocked by the solenoid valve, and allow the air pressure remaining in the pipe to flow into the drain chamber and be discharged together with the moisture contained in the drain chamber when opened by the solenoid valve.

[0018] An integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a discharge induction module installed inside the drain chamber, which moves downward by the air pressure when air pressure is transmitted to the drain chamber, thereby inducing moisture contained in the drain chamber to be discharged through the discharge port.

[0019] In one embodiment, the discharge induction module may include: an upper fixing ring formed in a circular ring shape and fixedly installed along the upper inner surface of the drain chamber; a lifting ring formed in a circular ring shape and positioned to move up and down along the inner surface of the drain chamber below the upper fixing ring, and moving moisture on the inner surface of the drain chamber below toward the discharge port while moving downward; a shielding film installed covering the inner side of the lifting ring so that the lifting ring can move downward by air pressure flowing into the drain chamber; a plurality of moisture inlets formed penetrating along the shielding film so that moisture flowing into the drain chamber can pass through the shielding film and be received in the drain chamber; and a plurality of return elastic wires spaced apart along the upper fixing ring and the lifting ring to pull the lifting ring, which has moved downward by air pressure, and place it back below the upper fixing ring.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lifting ring may include: a ring-shaped frame formed in a circular ring shape and supported by the return elastic wire; a variable scraper ring formed in a cylindrical pipe shape made of an elastic material and installed along the lower side of the ring-shaped frame, which moves downward together with the ring-shaped frame and expands or contracts in correspondence with the shape of the inner surface of the drain chamber to move moisture on the inner surface of the drain chamber toward the discharge port; and a return guide member installed spaced apart along the ring-shaped frame, which expands the contracted variable scraper ring back to its original cylindrical pipe shape and presses it against the inner surface of the drain chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the return guide may include: a cylindrical mount positioned horizontally on the inner side of the ring-shaped frame and installed to be rotatable; a flange formed protruding from the upper side of the cylindrical mount; a guide groove formed hollowly on the inner side of the ring-shaped frame to provide space for the flange to move as the cylindrical mount rotates; a support spring installed in the guide groove to return the flange, which has moved along the guide groove as the cylindrical mount rotates, to its original position; and a support installed on the lower side of the cylindrical mount, exposed to the lower side of the cylindrical mount, and installed upright along the inner side of the variable scraper ring to support the variable scraper ring, and which expands the variable scraper ring in a contracted state using the elastic force of the support spring.

[0022] In one embodiment, the discharge induction module may further include a tapered backflow prevention pipe that is formed in a pipe shape with an inner diameter that gradually decreases toward the lower side and is installed at the lower side of the water inlet to prevent water from flowing back into the water inlet. Effects of the invention

[0024] The integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugal separation and differential pressure according to the present invention separates heavy contaminants and moisture by pushing them to the wall surface through centrifugal force generated by rotating compressed air introduced into the compressor at high speed, thereby maximizing maintenance efficiency and dramatically extending the lifespan of parts compared to conventional technology that relied entirely on separate consumable adsorbents or filters.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides an excellent effect of forcibly expelling 100% of the contaminated water and moisture accumulated inside without leaving any behind by intelligently utilizing the residual air pressure remaining between the motor and the tank at the moment the compressor stops operating to open the solenoid valve.

[0026] This immediate discharge structure prevents contaminated water from accumulating inside the device, thereby fundamentally blocking the wall-over phenomenon—where moisture backflows through the pipes or enters precision equipment when a large volume of air is introduced during restart—and ensuring that the highest quality clean air is always maintained.

[0027] Consequently, the present invention can suppress bacterial growth and stably supply clean, dry compressed air to patients in medical settings requiring high hygiene standards, such as dental clinics, thereby significantly contributing to the improvement of the quality of medical services and the enhancement of equipment durability.

[0028] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and various effects may be included within the scope obvious to a person skilled in the art from the contents described below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugal separation and differential pressure according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 are drawings showing the exhaust induction module of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a drawing showing the lifting ring of Figure 3. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the return induction section of Figure 5. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0031] The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the invention are different but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in relation to one embodiment. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following detailed description is not intended to be limiting, and the scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims, including all equivalents to those claimed therein, provided they are appropriately described. Similar reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same or similar functions across various aspects.

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugal separation and differential pressure according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1, an integrated drain dryer device (10) for a compressor using centrifugal separation and differential pressure according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drain chamber (100), an outlet (200), a discharge line (300), and a solenoid valve (400).

[0035] At least one drain chamber (100) is installed on a conduit (3) that supplies compressed air from a compressor (1) to an air tank (2).

[0036] The drain chamber (100) stores moisture generated by centrifuging the cooled compressed air of the compressor (1).

[0037] The drain chamber (100) utilizes the principle that when compressed air from the compressor (1) flows into the interior, it rotates at high speed, and the centrifugal force generated at this time pushes moisture, oil, fine dust, bacteria, etc., which are heavier than air, toward the wall and fall down.

[0038] The drain chamber (100) has a structure that actively utilizes physical rotational force, deviating from the conventional method of relying only on chemical adsorbents or filters to purify air.

[0039] The discharge port (200) is installed at the lower side of the drain chamber (100) to discharge moisture contained in the drain chamber (100).

[0040] The outlet (200) serves as an optimal passage for pollutants and moisture that have naturally accumulated due to the load to escape to the outside.

[0041] The discharge line (300) provides a path for discharging moisture discharged through the discharge port (200) to the outside.

[0042] The discharge line (300) is composed of a highly durable pipe that can quickly guide moisture and foreign substances to the outside without leakage even under high pressure conditions.

[0043] In one embodiment, the discharge line (300) prevents air pressure remaining on the conduit (3) from flowing into the drain chamber (100) when blocked by the solenoid valve (400).

[0044] The discharge line (300) is opened by the solenoid valve (400) so that the air pressure remaining on the pipe (3) flows into the drain chamber (100) and is discharged together with the moisture contained in the drain chamber (100).

[0045] The discharge line (300) provides an innovative structure that recycles the residual pressure generated between the motor and the tank as an energy source without discarding it when all compressors (1) stop operating.

[0046] The discharge line (300) uses the differential pressure generated whenever the compressor (1) stops to instantly and forcibly discharge 100% of the accumulated moisture and contaminants.

[0047] The discharge line (300) immediately discharges pollutants, thereby preventing water from accumulating inside the device.

[0048] The discharge line (300) having the configuration described above does not accumulate moisture inside, so it fundamentally solves the problem of moisture flowing through the air line to a patient or precision equipment when a large amount of air is used, and prevents accumulated water from mixing with the air when the machine is run again, thereby providing the effect of maintaining the highest air quality.

[0049] A solenoid valve (400) is installed on the discharge line (300) to open and close the discharge line (300).

[0050] The solenoid valve (400) prevents unnecessary pressure loss by immediately responding to an electrical signal to precisely control the opening and closing of the conduit (3).

[0051] In one embodiment, the solenoid valve (400) blocks the discharge line (300) while the compressor (1) is in use, so that the solenoid valve (400) maintains a sealing force so that the compressed air generated when the compressor (1) is driven is not lost to the outside and is fully delivered to the air tank (2).

[0052] The solenoid valve (400) fundamentally overcomes the limitations of the conventional auto-drain method, in which the valve opens and discharges separated water only when the internal tank fills up to a certain level or higher by opening the discharge line (300) when the compressor (1) stops operating.

[0053] A solenoid valve (400) having the configuration described above has the effect of preventing energy waste and maximizing discharge efficiency by intelligently determining the opening and closing time in perfect synchronization with the operating state of the compressor (1).

[0054] An integrated drain dryer device (10) for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to one embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above is less sensitive to a separate consumable adsorbent replacement cycle and provides an excellent effect of extending the lifespan of the filter by using a physical method called centrifugation.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, an integrated drain dryer device (20) for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a discharge induction module (500).

[0058] The discharge induction module (500) is installed inside the drain chamber (100) and, when air pressure is transmitted to the drain chamber (100), moves downward due to the air pressure, thereby inducing the moisture contained in the drain chamber (100) to be discharged through the discharge port (200).

[0059] The discharge induction module (500) performs the role of physically pushing out moisture by converting fluid dynamic energy, such as air pressure, into mechanical linear kinetic energy.

[0060] The discharge induction module (500) removes even fine oil or stubborn contaminants adhered to the inner wall without leaving anything behind by adding a forced scraping action beyond simple gravity discharge.

[0061] An integrated drain dryer device (20) for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to another embodiment of the present invention having the configuration described above provides a powerful hygiene management effect that enables the best air quality to be maintained in medical settings where hygiene is extremely important, such as dental clinics, because it immediately discharges bacteria and contaminants whenever air stops.

[0063] Figures 3 and 4 are drawings showing the exhaust induction module of Figure 2.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the discharge induction module (500) includes an upper fixing ring (510), a lifting ring (520), a shielding membrane (530), a moisture inlet (540), and a return elastic wire (550).

[0065] The upper fixing ring (510) is formed in the shape of a circular ring and is fixedly installed along the upper inner surface of the drain chamber (100).

[0066] The upper fixing ring (510) serves as a reference point and support for the entire lifting structure, firmly fixing the module so that it does not detach even in a high-pressure environment.

[0067] The lifting ring (520) is formed in the shape of a circular ring and is positioned so as to be able to move up and down along the inner surface of the drain chamber (100) from the lower side of the upper fixing ring (510).

[0068] The lifting ring (520) moves downward and moves moisture on the inner surface of the drain chamber (100) from the lower side toward the discharge port (200).

[0069] The lifting ring (520) is designed with a special structure that maintains airtightness while minimizing friction with the wall surface, thereby preventing collected moisture from flowing back up.

[0070] The shielding membrane (530) is installed to cover the inner side of the lifting ring (520) so that the lifting ring (520) can be lowered by the air pressure flowing into the drain chamber (100).

[0071] The shielding membrane (530) acts like a sail that fully accommodates the incoming differential pressure and transmits a uniform downward pressure to the entire lifting ring (520).

[0072] A plurality of moisture inlets (540) are formed penetratingly along the shielding membrane (530) so that moisture flowing into the drain chamber (100) can pass through the shielding membrane (530) and be received in the drain chamber (100).

[0073] The moisture inlet (540) is designed with an optimal diameter and arrangement that allows centrifuged heavy particles to pass downward without hindering the transmission of air pressure.

[0074] A number of return elastic wires (550) are spaced apart and installed along the upper fixed ring (510) and the lifting ring (520) to pull the lifting ring (520), which has moved downward by air pressure, and place it back on the lower side of the upper fixed ring (510).

[0075] The return elastic wire (550) helps to quickly prepare for the next discharge cycle by returning the lifting ring (520) to its initial position as soon as the compressed air supply is resumed and the differential pressure is relieved.

[0076] The exhaust induction module (500) having the configuration described above implements a continuous and automated reciprocating mechanism that alternately utilizes the incoming air pressure and its own restoring force, thereby exhibiting an excellent effect of maintaining the inside of the device in a clean, empty state at all times without user intervention.

[0078] The discharge induction module (500) having the configuration described above may further include a tapered backflow prevention pipe (560).

[0079] The tapered backflow prevention pipe (560) is formed in a pipe shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases as it goes downward and is installed at the lower side of the water inlet (540).

[0080] The tapered backflow prevention tube (560) prevents water from flowing back into the water inlet (540).

[0081] The tapered backflow prevention tube (560) prevents contaminated water collected at the bottom from splashing up to the upper clean zone due to capillary action or sudden changes in pneumatic pressure by using a physical funnel shape.

[0082] A discharge induction module (500) including a tapered backflow prevention tube (560) having the configuration described above provides the effect of significantly improving the purification reliability of the entire system by perfectly controlling the direction of movement of moisture in one direction, thereby preventing the phenomenon of moisture and foreign substances being remixed after being difficult to separate by centrifugation.

[0084] Figure 5 is a drawing showing the lifting ring of Figure 3.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 5, the lifting ring (520) includes a ring-shaped frame (521), a variable scraper ring (522), and a return guide (523).

[0086] The ring-shaped frame (521) is formed in a circular ring shape and is supported by a return elastic wire (550).

[0087] The ring-shaped frame (521) acts as a rigid frame that prevents twisting or deformation that may occur during lifting operations.

[0088] The variable scraper ring (522) is formed in the shape of a cylindrical pipe made of an elastic material and is installed along the lower side of the ring-shaped frame (521).

[0089] The variable scraper ring (522) moves downward together with the ring-shaped frame (521) and expands or contracts in correspondence with the shape of the inner surface of the drain chamber (100), thereby moving the moisture on the inner surface of the drain chamber (100) toward the outlet (200).

[0090] The variable scraper ring (522) flexibly adheres to even fine curvatures or machining errors on the inner wall of the chamber and serves to perfectly scrape away all moisture without leaving a single drop behind.

[0091] The return guide (523) is installed spaced apart along the ring-shaped frame (521) to expand the contracted variable scraper ring (522) back to its original cylindrical pipe shape and press it against the inner surface of the drain chamber (100).

[0092] The return induction unit (523) performs a variable control function that helps maintain a contracted state to reduce friction with the inner wall when the scraper rises after it has finished descending, and expands it again when preparing for the next descent.

[0093] The lifting ring (520) having the configuration described above provides an excellent effect that contributes to extending the lifespan and maintaining the performance of the equipment by preventing damage to the inner wall while maximizing cleaning efficiency through the organic combination of a rigid frame and an elastic scraper.

[0095] Figure 6 is a diagram showing the return induction section of Figure 5.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, the return guide (523) includes a cylindrical mount (524), a flange (525), a guide groove (526), ​​a support spring (527), and a support (528).

[0097] The cylindrical mount (524) is positioned horizontally on the inner side of the ring-shaped frame (521) and then installed so as to be rotatable.

[0098] The cylindrical mount (524) serves as a key axis of power transmission that converts part of the linear lifting motion into rotational motion.

[0099] The flange (525) is formed to protrude from the upper side of the cylindrical mount (524).

[0100] The flange (525) acts as a lever that physically contacts an external interference structure during rotational movement to precisely control the rotation angle of the cylindrical mount (524).

[0101] The guide groove (526) is hollowly formed on the inner side of the ring-shaped frame (521) to provide space for the flange (525) to move as the cylindrical mount (524) rotates.

[0102] The guide groove (526) prevents the variable scraper ring (522) from expanding or contracting more than necessary by limiting the movement trajectory of the flange (525).

[0103] The support spring (527) is installed in the guide groove (526) and returns the flange (525), which has moved along the guide groove (526) as the cylindrical mount (524) rotates, to its original position.

[0104] The support spring (527) provides an immediate elastic restoring force when mechanical contact is released, thereby increasing the response speed of the system.

[0105] The support (528) is installed on the lower side of the cylindrical mount (524).

[0106] The support member (528) is exposed to the lower side of the cylindrical mount (524) and is installed upright along the inner side of the variable scraper ring (522) to support the variable scraper ring (522).

[0107] The support (528) expands the variable scraper ring (522) in a contracted state by using the elastic force of the support spring (527) to expand it again.

[0108] The return induction unit (523) having the configuration described above exerts an advanced mechanical effect that optimizes frictional resistance and contact force according to the situation by freely adjusting the diameter of the variable scraper ring through the combination of a precise cam rotation mechanism and an elastic member.

[0110] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described above can be easily modified into other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the embodiments described above. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single unit may be implemented in a distributed manner, and components described as distributed may likewise be implemented in a combined form.

[0112] The scope of protection sought through this specification is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and should be interpreted to include all modifications or variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and the concept of equivalents. Explanation of the symbols

[0114] 10, 20: Integrated drain dryer device for compressors using centrifugation and differential pressure 100: Drain chamber 200: Outlet 300: Discharge line 400: Solenoid valve 500: Emission Induction Module

Claims

Claim 1 At least one drain chamber installed on a pipeline supplying compressed air from a compressor to an air tank, and storing moisture generated by centrifuging the cooled compressed air of the compressor; a discharge port installed on the lower side of the drain chamber to discharge the moisture contained in the drain chamber; a discharge line providing a path for discharging the moisture discharged through the discharge port to the outside; and a solenoid valve installed on the discharge line to open and close the discharge line. The drain induction module is installed on the inner side of the drain chamber and, when air pressure is transmitted to the drain chamber, moves downward by the air pressure to induce the moisture contained in the drain chamber to be discharged through the discharge port; wherein the drain induction module comprises: an upper fixing ring formed in a circular ring shape and fixedly installed along the upper inner surface of the drain chamber; a lifting ring formed in a circular ring shape and positioned to move up and down along the inner surface of the drain chamber below the upper fixing ring, and moves the moisture on the inner surface of the drain chamber below toward the discharge port while moving downward; a shielding membrane installed covering the inner side of the lifting ring so that the lifting ring can move downward by the air pressure flowing into the drain chamber; and a plurality of moisture inlets formed penetrating along the shielding membrane so that moisture flowing into the drain chamber can pass through the shielding membrane and be contained in the drain chamber. An integrated drain dryer device for a compressor utilizing centrifugal separation and differential pressure, characterized by including: a plurality of return elastic wires spaced apart along the space between the upper fixed ring and the lifting ring, which pull the lifting ring that has moved downward by air pressure and place it back on the lower side of the upper fixed ring. Claim 2 An integrated drain dryer device for a compressor using centrifugation and differential pressure according to claim 1, wherein the solenoid valve blocks the discharge line when the compressor is in use and opens the discharge line when the compressor stops operating, and the discharge line blocks the air pressure remaining in the pipe from flowing into the drain chamber when blocked by the solenoid valve, and allows the air pressure remaining in the pipe to flow into the drain chamber and be discharged together with the moisture contained in the drain chamber. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete

Images